Health Benefits of Spices Plus A Recipe for Making Your Own Seasoned Salt

I may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This costs you absolutely no extra money (of course), it simply allows me to maintain the lifestyle my cats are accustomed to!

The colorful, short video above (exploding spices set to classical music) just might be the most relaxing thing you do all week.

I’m sure I’ve already ‘fessed up to all of you that I have a bit of a magazine fixation. It started when I was a teenager with Tiger Beat, Seventeen, Teen, etc. The obsession has carried right through to today. The magazines have changed but the bliss I experience when stores put out new magazines is the same.

One of my favorite magazines is All You. It bills itself as “The magazine that pays for itself” because each issue is PACKED with coupons – and coupons you’ll actually use, at that. Personally, I think it should bill itself as “The magazine that pays for itself… and then some” because, each month, the money the coupons save me total up to a higher price than I paid for the magazine. So, basically, I’m being paid to enjoy fantastic recipes, health and cooking-related articles, crafts, and puzzles that my brain absolutely loves.

For example, in the recent issue (January 17, 2014), I used the coupons in the magazine to save over $7.00 on groceries and the magazine cost just $2.99.

With all this raving, I guess it’d be a good time to point out that this is not at all a sponsored post or even a review. Basically, I’m just jumping off into the actual post. I just happen to enjoy shining the spotlight on people who are doing things the right way.

In the issue I just mentioned, there was an outstanding section called “The Ultimate Guide to Spices.” In case you missed the issue (I’ll forgive you this time, but don’t let it happen again.), I thought I’d hit on a few of the highlights.

The first thing I thought I’d share is a “Mix it Up” recipe the magazine gives for making your own All Purpose Seasoned Salt. It’s extraordinary.

All Purpose Seasoned Salt

1 Tbsp. Salt

2 Tbsp. Onion Powder

2 Tbsp. Garlic Powder

2 tsp. Ground Black Pepper

1 Tbsp. Hot Paprika

Combine in a small glass bottle with a top and use with just about anything. It’s especially good on hamburgers, Boca Burgers, baked potatoes, fries, beans, and chicken.

Another favorite part of the article involved the health benefits of popular spices. These health “boosts” are just another reason to add a little more spice to your meals.

Health Benefits of Favorite Spices

Black Pepper

Aids digestion.

Anti-inflammatory.

Might help accelerate metabolism.

Nutrients: Fiber, Vitamin K, Manganese

Garlic Powder

Heart-Healthy

Lowers risk of colon, rectal, and stomach cancer.

Might reduce blood pressure.

Might reduce hardening of the arteries.

Nutrients: Fiber, Vitamin B-6

Cinnamon

Heart-Healthy

Anti-Inflammatory

Aids Digestion

Might help decrease insulin resistance

Nutrients: Fiber, Calcium, Manganese

Chili Powder

Heart-Healthy

Anti-Inflammatory

Aids Digestion

Might boost metabolism and immunity.

Might help prevent stomach ulcers.

Nutrients: Fiber, Iron, Vitamins A, C, E, K, and B-6

Paprika

Heart-Healthy

Anti-Inflammatory

Promotes Healthy Vision

Might help fight age-related vision problems

Might help fight cardiovascular disease and arthritis

Nutrients: Fiber, Iron, Potassium, Vitamins A, C, E, K, and B-6

The article made me think more about spices, spice containers, spice racks, grinders, etc. While I have a pretty good number of small spice jars w/lids, I’m definitely in the market for a great pepper grinder and salt box. Below are a few of the lovelies that have caught my eye on Amazon.

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Contact me through e-mail at joisigers@aim.com and connect with me through social media (see above).

I do not claim to have taken all of the photographs on this website. I did not take any of the “product” or “affiliate” merchandise photos, nor do I claim to own them. If you are a photographer that sees something you want removed, simply e-mail me!